Textile designer - Job description and activities

Job description:
Textile designers work in knit, weave and print to create two-dimensional designs that can be produced in a design repeat for the production of commercial or artistic fabrics or textile products.

Working in both industrial and non-industrial locations, they often specialise, or work in a specialist context, within the textile industry. The two major fields are:

• interiors (upholstery, soft furnishings and carpets);
• fabrics for clothing (fashion or specialist, e.g. fire-proof).

Textile designers may also work in associated industry functions, for example, designing wrapping paper, packaging, greetings cards and ceramics.

Many textile designers are self-employed, while others work as part of a design team.

Typical work activities:
Typical work activities include:

• making up sets of sample designs;
• working out a design formula for a group of samples;
• liaising with clients, technical staff, marketing and buying staff to plan and develop designs;
• accurately interpreting and representing clients' ideas;
• producing sketches and design ranges for presentation to customers;
• assessing and approving completed items;
• working independently, if self-employed, or liaising closely with colleagues as part of a small team;
• using specialist computer aided design (CAD) software to produce a range of designs;
• experimenting with colour, fabric and texture;
• maintaining up-to-date knowledge of new design and production techniques;
• developing new design concepts;
• ensuring that projects are completed on time;
• visiting sites and other sources of ideas for designs;
• sourcing fabrics and other materials at trade fairs, markets and antique shops;
• attending trade shows, as a delegate or as an exhibitor - this may involve representing the company with a display or stand, or appraising the work of competitors;
• keeping up to date and spotting fashion trends in fabric design by reading forecasts in trade magazines and using internet resources;
• developing a network of business contacts;
• if self-employed, managing marketing, finances and day-to-day business activities.

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